A cooker hood is necessary to clean the room from unpleasant odors, combustion products and smoke that are formed during cooking. Her work is based on a filter, which can be coal or fat. It protects the internal surfaces, in particular the engine, from contamination and ensures the normal functioning of the device. The filter for the hood in the kitchen is indispensable, especially if the ventilation system is closed.
Hood operation principles
There are hoods which, drawing in steam, take it out through the air vent. Their principle of operation is to completely remove contaminated air and replace it with clean air. But their installation requires a connection to the ventilation pipe.
Circulation hoods work on a different principle. A powerful engine draws in air, with the help of an installed filter it cleans it and returns it back to the living room. That is why these devices require the installation of a high-quality filter. A kitchen hood without a duct does not require complicated installation and costs significantly less.
Varieties of grease filters
The grease filter for the hood in the kitchen is needed to clean the air stream from impurities. Otherwise, suspended fatty particles will harm the internal elements of the technique and lead to its breakdown.
If you do not install a filter, then after a couple of weeks of using the hood, all of its insides, including the motor, will be covered with a thick and sticky layer of fat, which is difficult to clean and has an unpleasant odor.
Grease filters are divided into disposable and reusable. In connection with this fact, the material from which it is made differs.
Grease trap material
Flizelin or special paper with impregnation is a budget option, which can be found in hoods of a low price category. As a rule, these are devices of a flat type. Operation continues until the filter is completely contaminated. Its cleaning is ineffective, so it is simply replaced by another.
Acrylic filter. Such material can be cleaned, but due to fragility, after several procedures, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
Aluminum filter. This design is reusable and is characterized by durability and reliability. Such a filter will last a long time until the hood is operated. These filters are installed in devices located in the high or middle price segment. It is enough to remove the grease trap and clean it well so that the hood works at full capacity.
Grease filter selection
In household appliance stores you can find a sufficient variety of models and manufacturers of grease traps. Sometimes they are difficult to understand and understand how they differ.
The most common brands that are most commonly heard by the consumer and most commonly available for sale are: Cata, Gorenje and Kronta.
Kronta Filters
Kronta, according to consumer reviews, is one of the best brands, which is represented by various models of hoods and filters for them. All samples are made exclusively from aluminum with a multilayer metal mesh.
Such filters are quite effective. They completely delay all fumes, protect the internal elements of the hood and the kitchen from fat particles.
The filter for the hood in the kitchen from the Kronta brand, judging by the reviews, is well cleaned with a normal detergent. It can also be washed in the dishwasher. If you regularly look after such a filter, then it will perfectly cope with air purification and will successfully serve for several years.
Fat models from Cata
The Spanish brand supplies anodized aluminum filters with six layers for air purification. A kitchen hood with a non-tap filter requires a similar design, because the cleaned air again enters the living room.
According to reviews, kitchen hoods with a filter of this kind have high-quality filters that can be cleaned by any means and washed in the dishwasher. But some complain that layering makes it difficult to completely clean.
The aluminum grill prevents grease from entering the engine and the interior of the hood remains clean.
Italian brand Gorenje
Grease filters are also made from aluminum, so they are reusable. They completely prevent the ingress of contaminants to the motor blades, so hoods are protected against overload in the event of contamination. For the convenience of users, they are available in different sizes, therefore they are universal, as they are suitable for many models of hoods.
Carbon filters
A kitchen hood with a carbon filter is most effective if you need to quickly refresh the air and get rid of unpleasant odors. Often they are called anti-odor or absorption. This fact is due to the fact that activated carbon, which is part of the filter, is able to trap and absorb various odors, vapors and grease particles.
Coal is a natural absorbent. It is completely safe when used as directed. It not only absorbs odors, but also reliably holds them inside.
A hood for a kitchen with a carbon filter, and user reviews confirm this, has one drawback. In order to maintain the hood working properly, the filters must be regularly replaced with new ones. But their cost may vary. Depending on the manufacturer and build quality, the price can vary from 250 to 2500 rubles.
The need to replace the carbon filter
The operation of the hood depends on the quality of the filter. As it becomes dirty, it becomes denser and therefore it is difficult for air to pass through it. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the cartridge in a timely manner.
If we consider the standard terms, then on average one carbon filter is able to effectively purify the air for 3-4 months. But more accurate information each manufacturer indicates in the instructions for the cartridge.
So, a product from the Elica brand requires a replacement every two months. But the Elikor filter will serve all four.
Of course, the frequency of replacement depends not only on the brand and manufacturer's recommendations. The frequency of using the hood itself and the method of cooking is also important.
If you need a charcoal filter for hoods in a kitchen with a longer service life, you should consider the Krona brand as a purchase, which guarantees perfect operation for up to a year. The filter from Gaggenau is changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation twice a year, and the cartridge from Bosch once a year.
It should be remembered that usually an extra copy is not provided in the exhaust hood set with a charcoal filter. Therefore, it is recommended that after complete air purification, leave the device turned on for another five minutes. In this way, the life of the carbon cartridge can be increased, because at this time, residual moisture is removed and no caking of the absorbent material occurs.
Built-in hood models
For many of us, the aesthetic properties of the kitchen space are important. Hoods for the kitchen, built-in with a filter, provide more opportunities to provide comfort and sophistication of the room.
The models have a retractable carriage that can absorb more polluted air. Many users and experts recommend paying attention to models equipped with two motors. In this case, ventilation will be more efficient. Filters for built-in hoods are reusable, aluminum.
Filter care
User reviews on kitchen hoods with a filter indicate that if they are cleaned regularly, they will work much longer and more efficiently. If a disposable grease catcher is installed, it must be periodically replaced with a new one. Reusable can be cleaned with detergents or placed in a dishwasher.
Clean the grease filter
In order for the filter to cope effectively with its duties, it must be cleaned. To do this, it must be removed and placed in a container with hot water.
To destroy fat particles, a detergent is added to the water and a filter is placed for 20 minutes. Then it is cleaned with a stiff sponge. Citric acid can be used to remove difficult contaminants.
Replacing carbon filters
Unlike a grease trap, charcoal filters cannot be cleaned. They only need to be changed. Of course, this is not a difficult task, but rather painstaking.
- To do this, disconnect the hood from the network. Anti-grease filters are removed and cleaned.
- The cassette where the charcoal filter is located is usually fixed tightly enough. It should be pulled out and removed, directly, the filter itself.
- Before inserting a new one, wipe the cartridge with a damp cloth.
- It must be ensured that the new filter is clearly in place, otherwise the operation of the hood will be ineffective.
- You can turn on the device and check that there are no extraneous sounds.
The filter for the hood in the kitchen ensures the efficient operation of the appliance. If the choice fell on the grease catcher, then do not neglect the systematic cleaning. An air purifier with a carbon filter will provide clean air and eliminate odors if it is replaced regularly, according to the manufacturer's instructions.